INDIANAPOLIS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO | brooke

I have one daughter, Tatum, she is 3 and a half.

Tatum truly lights up a room -- her infectious giggle, smile, energetic voice, sweet disposition, wit, & charm! She is so smart, loves to learn new things, & make us laugh everyday! Lately she's been telling people, "My Mommy can do anything!" Oh, if you could always feel that way!

All I've ever wanted was to be a Mom. I received an an education, had my own career, got married, and lived life, always hoping all of this was leading up to being a mom. It took us a long time to get pregnant. We had to go to some extreme measures. If possible, it all made me all the more thankful for Tatum. Our miracle baby.

We found out we were pregnant with on our 5 year anniversary! We celebrated by going to a fancy dinner at Fleming's. We called my mom immediately, but my husband wanted to wait a little longer to tell his side of the family. Just to make sure everything was going to be okay.

I thought sure I was having a boy. I think it's because I secretly wanted a girl, so I was preparing myself for a boy. However, at the time, I was so excited to be pregnant, I honestly didn't care either way. I truly just wanted a healthy baby.

I loved being pregnant! Almost every minute of it, especially once the morning sickness aka all day sickness wore off around 16 weeks.

I had to be induced because she was a week late. I really wanted to let her come on her own time, but my doctor didn't want to wait any longer. They broke my water at 9am, started pitocin at noon & by 4:30/5, I was at a 10 & started pushing. I pushed for almost 2 hours. I started to get a fever, which means she could get a fever and have to go to the NICU, so I told them to "Get her out!" She was stuck on my pelvic bone so they had to use an instrument to get her out. I cried the minute I heard her cry, Daddy got worried that something was wrong with me, but I was just so happy. Tatum was so alert just looking right into my eyes. I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. The first thing I said was that she looked just like my husband. Michael gave me the strangest look. When I later asked him why, he said it was because he was still counting all her fingers & toes, and I’m already saying she looks like him (and she does!).

My mom (Mamaw) came to stay with us for a few days which helped a lot. Tatum was great at nursing, but since I was a first time mom, my milk didn't come in very quickly. She lost a lot of weight (a full pound), wasn't having many wet diapers, so I had to take her to the doctor for multiple weight checks. It was scary & I was a crying mess. But once the food was there, she started gaining weight like a champ!

I'd like to think being a mom I'm more laid back, but it's also made me more obsessed with researching everything!

The best part about being a mom is Tatum. Waking up to her smile, big hug, & pure joy. Most days :)

The most challenging thing is lack of sleep! It's taken me by surprise how little sleep I can survive on!

My Mom and I were already close, but becoming a Mom made me realize how much more she did for me than I even remember. She's my best source for motherly advice and I call her everyday about something. I'd say we're even closer now.

I wish I could always hold on to how much she wants to be with me. I know someday she isn't going to want me in the middle of the night, so I try to enjoy it when she does. Or when she's upset about something, and Mommy being able to make it all better. I wish I could keep her in my bubble forever. Protect her from any kind of hurt. I just hope & pray by giving her a strong foundation & and letting her know she will always have our support, that she will have the least amount of hardships.

I know it sounds cliche', but I honestly just want her to be happy, healthy, & love life.

My child-rearing philosophy is attachment parenting by force!! She wanted it & now I don't know any other way.

Becoming a mom to my sweet girl is the best thing that has every happened to me. Seriously.

I would like to think nurturing, kind, motivated, strong, self-fulfilled children lead to a better world.

dear tatum,

"To the world, you are one person. But to one person you are the world."

This couldn't be more perfect describing what you are to me.

spaces are limited for motherhood photography sessions, so be sure to get set up today!

If you have a milestone or special moment you want to remember forever, let's chat! Ashlee loves to photograph in the woodlands and around downtown Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, and Greenwood. She also has a professional studio space available for sessions.